
Moroccan Royal Armed Forces Inspector General and Commander of the southern military zone Major General Mohammed Berrid (Centre-R) and the Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) General Michael Langley (C) inspect an honour guard suring the annual "African Lion" joint military exercise between US and Moroccan forces in the Tan-Tan region in southwestern Morocco on May 31, 2024. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP)
Morocco is steadily asserting itself as a pivotal military force in the Maghreb-Mediterranean region, driven by an ambitious strategy of modernization and diversified international partnerships.
The country’s acquisition of state-of-the-art Brazilian C-390 transport aircraft alongside advanced Turkish and Israeli drone technologies highlights its commitment to enhancing military capabilities while expanding its technological alliances.
Acknowledging Morocco’s institutional stability and strategic geographic position, NATO has designated the kingdom as one of its principal regional training hubs.
This move underlines NATO’s confidence in Morocco’s ability to align with international standards while preserving its unique national characteristics.
Recently, Rabat played host to a specialized session of “Regional Endeavour 2025,” a NATO-led exercise coordinated by the Joint Command in Naples.
The exercise, part of the longstanding Mediterranean Dialogue Mechanism, convened military representatives from Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritania, and the African Union. This year’s focus was on enhancing civil-military cooperation, refining inter-institutional coordination, and conducting sociological analyses of intervention zones to better manage the complex security landscape of the Euro-Mediterranean region.
“These exercises aim to strengthen ties between all stakeholders and foster shared expertise to address cross-border security challenges,” the NATO statement noted.
Morocco’s active involvement signals its dedication to a balanced defense diplomacy that respects national sovereignty while embracing collective responsibility. By doing so, the kingdom cements its role as a strategic actor in regional security.
Its growing prominence is further underscored by its hosting of joint military drills such as the “African Lion” exercises with the United States, reinforcing Morocco’s position as a vital bridge between Mediterranean, African, and international security interests.
This evolving partnership is set to culminate in a special NATO-organized military exercise in the Maghreb, highlighting Morocco’s expanding influence as a linchpin of regional stability and defense cooperation.